Paris motor show 2010: Citroen DS3 WRC

Citroen has unveiled its challenger for the new-for-2011 World Rally Championship at the Paris motor show: the DS3 WRC.

The new model has been developed to the latest set of rally regulations, which are based on the current S2000 rules. Cars must use a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and there are restrictions on transmission technology and the use of exotic materials in construction.

Despite the reduction in capacity from the current 2.0-litre units, Citroen says its new car will still have around 300bhp on tap. Rally insiders say the new rules will result in cars that need to be worked harder, with higher revs to compensate for weaker bottom-end torque.

The DS3 WRC will be campaigned by Citroen’s French drivers, six-times world champion Sebastien Loeb and the rising star of the sport, Sebastien Ogier. Loeb has already indicated that the 2011 season could well be his last before retirement.